'Time for us to tell our story': Controversial Church of Scientology announces its TV network launch

In posts shared on Twitter, the Scientology Network informed followers about their presence on social media platforms like Instagram and an official Youtube channel.

For the longest time, the Church of Scientology has been at the receiving end of outspoken criticism from famous ex-members of the faith. But looks like, the controversial Church is finally opening up with their side of the story as they prepare to launch their first ever television network.

According to a post shared by the institute's official Twitter account, the Scientology Network, as the channel will be known as, will go live on Monday (12 March) at 8 pm EST.

Church Of Scientology (Source: Getty Images)

In addition, the network's programming will also be available on DirecTV, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, iTunes, Google Play, Chromecast and the official website Scientology.tv, claimed reports.

"Hello World, and greetings from Scientology Media Productions in Hollywood, CA! It's TIME for us to tell our story," the Church headed by David Miscavige, shared via a Twitter account dedicated to the network. "Welcome to the Scientology Network countdown to launch!"

In the subsequent posts, the Scientology Network further informed followers about their presence on social media platforms like Instagram and an official Youtube channel.

The announcement comes months after the critical success garnered by shows like A&E's Scientology and the Aftermath, which had ex-Scientologist Leah Remini spearheading some of the brutally candid interviews. In the episodes, not only did 47-year-old Remini open up about her personal experience while with the Church but also talked to fellow former Scientologists about their alleged charges of exploitation and harassment against the institute.

However, time and again, the Church has continued to refute the allegation, instead accusing Remini and the network of "spreading salacious lies".

"Nothing about A&E’s Leah Remini “docuseries” is honest. The singular goal of the program is to make money and boost ratings by spreading salacious lies to promote A&E’s ugly brand of religious intolerance, bigotry and hatred," the Church had explained in a statement to USA Today.

Explaining their stand, the Church further stated: "Sadly, as everyone knows from a number of recent tragic events, including those over the weekend in Virginia, we live in a volatile time of accelerated hate, bigotry and intolerance. A&E’s airing of salacious, unvetted falsehoods about the Church is reckless and irresponsible. The incendiary hate and bigotry they are fostering has no place in a tolerant America."

Other than Remini's Emmy-winning docuseries, the much-talked-about Church and its practices has also been discussed in detail in Alex Gibey’s HBO documentary 'Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief' that released in 2015. Incidentally, the documentary is based on a 2013 book by Lawrence Wright.

Now with an imminent network launch, though, the Church of Scientology that boasts followers like Hollywood top gun Tom Cruise, appears to be all set to address their "story". The first catalog of original series on the Scientology Network app, as listed on the iTunes app store, includes shows like Meet A Scientologist, Voices for Humanity, and L. Ron Hubbard: In His Own Voice.

And a teaser for the Scientology Network's launch only further emphasizes their idea: "The only thing more interesting than what you've heard is what you haven't."

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